Adjustable lead, cord, rope or sheet storage device

ABSTRACT

A storage device ( 1 ) for storing a lead, rope, chain, solid sheet or elongate material, including a body ( 3 ) including one elongate backbone ( 4 ) and at least one elongate tine ( 5 ) interconnected thereto ( 12 ) but separated from by a defined distance to form a channel ( 6 ) adapted to receive a lead, rope, chain, solid sheet or elongate material, support elements ( 9 ) and a latch apparatus ( 8 ), the channel ( 6 ) being of a dimension to allow only one length of a lead, rope or chain to fit between the backbone ( 4 ) and tine ( 5 ) at a time ( 5 ), preventing tangling of the lead, rope or chain. The storage device ( 1 ) may be attached to a wheeled frame or stand for ease of transport.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to improvements in and relating tostorage devices.

In particular, the invention relates to aspects of the features,manufacture, operation and application of an improved storage device forthe managing and storing of a range of articles, not only flex, cord,flexible tubing made of plastics material and so forth for electricalextension leads, for garden hoses, for rope, for rubber tubing, for gashoses associated with various types of equipment, such as air hoses,hoses for welding equipment and the like, but also for use with glass,wall-boards and solid sheet materials or similar, along with otherarticles that may from time-to-time benefit from the use of thisinvention. The device may also be used not only for storage of thesearticles, but for transport to sites were they are required to becarried for use.

The storage device is envisaged for use to store such articles safelyand neatly, yet also enables easy access to, carrying of and use of sucharticles as required on site. Where it is used to store leads, tubing,rope and so forth it does so in a manner that enables the leads etc. tobe safely and neatly stored until use, yet enables the leads, etc. to beunwound from the device in a tangle-free manner. Where it is to be usedfor electrical leads, its design enables the leads to be used whilststill wound on the storage device, due to reduced effects of heating andmagnetic field generation effected by the arrangement of the leads onthe device.

However, it should be appreciated that this invention may haveapplications outside this field.

BACKGROUND ART

While the present invention has a number of potentially realisableapplications, it is in relation to problems associated with existingreel, or storage systems used for electrical extension leads that thepresent invention was primarily developed, along with looking for asolution to address the problems associated with twisting, knotting andsafety issues when using and storing electrical leads.

However, in the course of development a number of additional featuresand applications have evolved that contribute to the functionality ofthe invention and provide potentially realisable benefits over prior artsystems.

For example, many systems for storing leads, cords, rope, tubing, hosesand the like may be available in a form requiring the manual carrying ofthe device and article from a storage site to the site for use. Wherelarge tubing such as hoses for swimming pools and the like, or longlengths of the article are involved, the weight becomes a significantfactor affecting the ease with which the device and stored article maybe transported.

There are a number of trolley or wheeled systems available in the priorart, but none to the knowledge of the applicant that includes thestorage feature of the present invention. Hence, similar problems ofstoring the leads and so forth still exist with existing systems.

Further, in some industries, organizations or institutions, such ashospitals, there are strict requirements in the use of articles and thefunctions they perform in a manner that does not interfere with anyother operational system in the vicinity. For example, in operatingtheatres, it is important to ensure magnetic fields are minimised tolimit interference with sensitive technology used in close vicinity whenperforming operations. Operating theatres use many pieces of machinerywhere electrical leads are required to be kept off the ground, andwhilst the present invention primarily addressed that, it is in addedfeature of the configuration of the storage device that has ancilliarybenefits over the prior art.

Further, the range of applications of the present invention providesmore versatility for use in a range of applications, from storing andfacilitating use of electric leads in work areas, to the transport,storage and improved use of swimming pool hoses, to the use on boats forstorage and improved use of ropes for tying the boat to a dock or foranchors. Presently, the most common behaviour is to loop the cords orhoses on the ground or deck of the boat, which risks them becomingtangled, knotted or damaged.

In yet another application, the present invention may be used to carryor store various thicknesses of wall-boards, such as plasterboard, wallboards of various forms, corrugated iron, plywood sheets and the like.Presently these types of articles are carried by extending the arms wideenough to reach each edge of the narrowest width of the board, or mayuse hooks or similar. These various systems may be time and energyconsuming, may be difficult to enable the individuals to easy performthe transportation and may be difficult to control in the event of awindy day.

In relation to prior art systems, a reel, or spool, is one of the mostbasic means of storing hoses, flexes, electrical extension cords,tubing, rope and so forth. A reel is a mechanical object, or frame,which is typically circular, or cylindrical, turns on an axis and on towhich a cord, lead, hose, or flex and so forth is wound. The design ofthe reel may vary depending on the cord, flex, or hose with which it isused and the particular requirements of the hose, flex, or cord. Mostnoticeably however, is that most reels operate in use in a rotatablemanner. As the body of the reel rotates, so is the cord, flex or hosewound on, or off, the reel. Some reels may be fixed, but these are lesspractical where substantially long lengths of hose, flex, or cord arerequired to be wound on, or off, the reel.

A reel is typically designed to include a central, horizontal cylinder,at each distal end of which are vertical faces, typically circular andsubstantially perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder. Thecylinder defines the width of the reel, whilst the end faces define theheight to which a cord, or similar, may be wound on to the reel.

Accordingly, as a cord, hose, or lead is wound on to a reel, the cordwill rotate around the central cylinder with each successive loop beinghorizontally and/or vertically adjacent to previous loops. Whereelectrical extension leads, or flexes, are to be used, it is importantto fully unwind the lead from the reel to minimize the likelihood ofelectrical resistance of the due to the electrical current causingoverheating of the lead where it is in close contact with, oroverlapping, adjacent sections of lead. Overheating due to such coileffect may result in damage to and/or failure of the insulating sheathof the electrical lead. This is potentially hazardous to the user.

When the cord, hose, or lead is unwound from the reel the period ofstorage and the material from which the cord, lead, or hose is made,will dictate whether the unwound cord retains a predisposition to acircular orientation. This predisposition to curl into a circularorientation after the flex, cord, or hose is unwound, can be frustratingwhere a straight extension of the cord, flex, or hose is required.Further, where hoses are concerned, attempts to stretch the hose out tostraighten it invariably leads to kinks. These above describedsituations prove frustrating and are recognised disadvantages of priorart reel systems.

A further disadvantage is that the reel with, or without, the hose,lead, or cord is a bulky device that is not easily, nor convenientlystored. The problem is exacerbated where the reel includes a protrudinghandle used to turn the reel to wind the hose, cord, or lead on to thereel drum.

Yet another disadvantage relates to the fact that such reels typicallyvia their actual design and mode of operation, include moving parts. Thepotential for wear, damage and breakdown exists and may be greater wherethe reel is frequently used.

Yet another way that flexes, cords and hoses may be stored is by theuser manually looping the flex, cord, or hose, (such as in the user'shand, or on the ground) and then gathering the loops together. Thelooped flex, cord, or hose may then be simply dropped on the ground, orhung from a hook, nail, or the like. The user may choose to use a tie tokeep the loops together, or may just simply leave the looped flex, cordor hose unrestrained. The potential exists however, for the hose, lead,or cord to be damaged through being dragged across the ground, squashedthrough being stood on, or driven over. The means of storage may alsoresult in damage to the flex, cord, or hose. For example, a lead or hosemay be spilt due to the angle of the bend created in the hose, flex, orcord when suspended from a hook, nail, or the like. Where the flex is anelectrical extension lead, the potential for damage to the lead becomesa safety hazard.

Further, a common occurrence with subsequent use of the flex, cord, orhose is that as the loops are unwound from one another, the flex, cord,or hose may become twisted, or knotted, making the process of unwindingthe flex, cord, or hose, difficult, time consuming and frustrating.

Electrical extension leads are commonly used in multiple situations.Such uses include domestic use around the home and garden and inworkshops, sheds, or garages; commercial use in trades such as building,plumbing, electrical installations and repairs; industrial use infactories, machine shops and so forth; uses at recreational events, suchas outdoor parties, sporting events, craft work, musical events; anduses in service industries, such as in hospitals where there is a hugerange of situations where equipment includes long leads, hoses, tubesand the like and where safety and hygiene are of paramount importance.Additionally, extension leads may be used for a range of other types oftechnical equipment, and including filming, or lighting, scenarios forexample. In some applications, multiple extension leads may be used.Having a simple system for storing, transportation and for improvingease of accessibility and use of cords, hoses and particularlyelectrical leads, would benefit the user in terms of time, effort,safety, cost, well-being and so forth.

However, whilst the range of configurations to effect the different usesmay vary, the overriding feature of the present invention remainssubstantially the same.

It would be useful therefore, to have a storage device that:

-   -   a) Could have the benefits of being adapted to store a range of        articles; including, but not limited to cords, flexes, tubes,        leads, ropes, chains or hoses of varyingly length; yet    -   b) Could be easy to operate, transport, or store in accordance        with the requirements of a particular situation and requiring        minimum time and physical requirements on the part of the user;        and    -   c) Could be used to store articles in a manner that, when        required to be used, removal from the device may be accomplished        easily and potentially more efficiently than may be common to        prior art system; and in particular, when used to store cords,        flexes, hoses, tubes, ropes, chain or leads could be achieved in        a manner that, when required to be used, removal from the device        may be accomplished without a resulting tangled mess common to        prior art system; and    -   d) Could potentially minimise damage to the integrity of the        article; and    -   e) Offered a safe alternative to the storage and use of an        article; and    -   f) Could provide additional benefits by enabling an article such        as an electrical extension cord to be stored on the device and        still be used without effecting damaging coil effect or without        effecting the extent of magnetic fields that may interfere with        the operation of adjacent or nearby equipment; and    -   g) Could be carried around, or permanently or temporarily        affixed to a support bracket on a surface for storage.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered atleast some if not all of the advantages of the above proposed system. Itis therefore an object of the present invention to consider the aboveproblems and provide at least one solution which addresses a pluralityof these problems.

Ideally the present invention will continue to provide a storage devicesystem which allows for the substantially trouble free storage of hoses,flexes and cords of various tools, or machines in association with themachine, or tool itself, but having some, if not all, of the advantagesoutlined above.

Ideally the storage device system is suitable for use, or is suitable tobeing adapted for use, in any situation where hoses, cords, flexes,tubes and leads are currently employed. It is therefore a further objectof the present invention to at least provide the public with a usefulchoice, or alternative system.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly. It should be appreciated that variations to the describedembodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the presentinvention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Whilst the present invention has been and is still described withparticular reference to the features and use of a storage device forelectrical extension leads, it should be appreciated that the inventionmay also be applicable to and/or be adapted for use with, a range ofother leads, hoses, flexes and cords, or other elongate pieces ofmaterial capable of being flexible enough to be otherwise wound up.

Further the invention may have a number of ancilliary uses for thestorage and/or carrying and/or use of other articles that may benefitfrom the device. As mentioned in the previous section, wall-boards,roofing materials, sheet materials, and so forth may be transported, orstored using the present invention.

For the purposes of this specification the term lead shall be used todescribe and refer to electric cords and electrical extension leads, inparticular. However, for conciseness, it should be appreciated that theterm also includes, other cords, hoses for fluids and/or flowableproducts, flexes, tubes and so forth made of varying materials havingappropriate flexibility to enable said cords, hoses, flexes and leads tobe used in conjunction with the storage device. Accordingly, where hosesare used, the hose may carry water, oils, chemicals, gases, and soforth. The electrical leads may be extension cords, light cords, powercords for various range of equipment, telecommunication leads, and soforth. Cords may also include rope for boating and the like. Chainsystems may also be included.

Whilst leads, cords, chains and so forth may substantiallycylindrical-shaped structures, or substantially flattened versions,other articles may take quite different shapes, as can be appreciatedwhen considering solid sheet material such as wall-boards and the likeor roofing, sunshade or screen materials. Therefore the examples used inthe present application should not be seen to limit the application ofthe present invention only to embodiments with relevance to the presentdescription.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided astorage device for use with at least one article, said storage deviceincluding a body, said body including a substantially elongate backboneand at least one substantially elongate tine interconnected thereto in asubstantially parallel arrangement, but separated there from by adefined distance to form a channel adapted to receive the articletherein, and including supporting means and optionally includinglatching apparatus to maintain the defined distance between the backboneand the tine during storage of a article by the storage device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda storage device for use with at least one article, substantially asdescribed above wherein the article may include a lead, cord, rope,chain, solid sheet or elongate material.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the storage device may be used to effect one ormore of to store, carry or use the article within or relative to thestorage device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided astorage device for use with at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the channel is substantially uniform along itslength.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided astorage device for use with at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the channel is substantially U-shaped.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided astorage device for use with at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the channel is substantially divergent along itslength.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the supporting means of said storage deviceincludes at least one of a handle, bracket, frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the elongate backbone and the tine of the bodyboth include a free top distal end, whilst the bottom distal endprovides an interconnecting portion to form the substantially uniformlydimensioned channel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the channel is substantially U-shaped.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the width of the substantially U-shaped channelformed between the backbone and the tine is defined by the diameter, orwidth, of at least one article to be stored in the device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the width of the substantially U-shaped channelformed between the backbone and the tine is determined to enable onlyone width of the article to be fed down the channel at any one time.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein where the article is a lead, subsequent loopingof the lead enables further widths of the lead to be fed down thechannel such that, with each subsequent loop, the section of lead withinthe channel sits substantially atop an adjacent previous looped sectionof the lead.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing articles substantially as described abovewherein the latching apparatus is attached towards the top distal end ofeither the backbone, or the tine.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing articles substantially as described abovewherein where the latching apparatus is attached towards the top distalend of the backbone, a portion of the latching apparatus is capable oflooping over the top distal end of the tine, or vice versa.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the latching apparatus contributes tomaintaining the defined distance between the backbone and the tineduring storage of the article by the storage device, via preventing theweight of the article stored within the channel from forcing thebackbone and the tine to splay apart from each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the latching apparatus may be used as, oradapted to include, a handle for gripping the storage device in use, orfor hanging the storage device when being stored.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the handle operates as the latching apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein either, or both, the latching apparatus and thehandle are pivotable with respect to the backbone, or the tine.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device for storing at least one article substantially asdescribed above wherein the backbone and attached tine is able to rotateup to 360° relative to means associated with either or both a centrallylocated pin through the longitudinal body of the backbone, or via arotating means associated with the latching means or handle whenattached to the backbone.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device substantially as described above wherein additional tinesmay be included relative to all faces of the backbone, where leads ofincreased length are required to be stored and can not be accommodatedwithin the channel of a single tine version of the storage device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device substantially as described above wherein the additionaltines may be attached removably or permanently.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device substantially as described above wherein additional tinesmay be included relative to all faces of the backbone, where leads ofincreased length are required to be stored and can not be accommodatedwithin the channel of a single tine version of the storage device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device substantially as described above wherein the tine(s) maybe pivotally attached to the backbone to enable fast release and feedingout of the lead from the storage device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device substantially as described above wherein additionalbackbones may be included from which at least one tine may extend.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided astorage device substantially as described above wherein the storagedevice may be configured to include, or be adapted to receive optionalmotive means to facilitate transport of the storage device and includedarticle to and from an area for use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of manufacturing a storage device for storing at least onearticle, said storage device including a body, said body including asubstantially elongate backbone and at least one substantially elongatetine interconnected to said backbone, but separated therefrom by adefined distance to form a channel, and optionally including at leastone of latching apparatus to maintain the defined distance between thebackbone and the tine during storage of the article by the storagedevice, a handle, motive means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of varying the article storage capacity of a storage device forstoring either or both articles such as leads and articles such assubstantially solid sheet materials and the like, said storage deviceincluding a body, said body including a substantially elongate backboneand multiple substantially elongate tines interconnected to saidbackbone, but each tine separated from the backbone by a defineddistance to each form a channel, said tines being further separated fromeach other by a defined distance, and said storage device optionallyincluding at least one of latching apparatus to maintain the defineddistance between the backbone and a tine during storage of a lead by thestorage device, a handle, motive means.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage deviceis designed to store a single lead. Preferably the body of the storagedevice is designed to complement the type and length of the leadrequired to be stored thereon.

However, the storage device may be used for the storage and ortransportation of sheet materials, such as glass, wall-boards, roofingmaterials and the like.

Accordingly, the length of the backbone and the length of the tine isdetermined to accommodate a preferred number of loops of the leadstacked sequentially on top of each other as the lead is looped on tothe storage device, or to provide preferred support to the sheetmaterial as determined by the height it extends.

The stacking effect of the lead loops one on top of the other isdetermined by the width of the channel created between the spaced apartbackbone and tine of the body of the device. In some preferredembodiments, the channel is substantially U-shaped The width of theU-shaped channel is, in turn, determined by the width, or diameter, ofthe lead to be stored on the device.

Where the storage device is to be used with other articles, the base ofthe channel may be substantially a concave U-shape, squared off, beconvex, or be tapered. In yet other embodiments the interior channelwalls may be configured to complement characteristics of the article formore secure storage. For example, the interior walls of the channel maybe undulating, with each indented portion configured to the diameter ofan electrical cord, such that one loop of the cord is retained in theappropriate indentation. Alternatively, the channel may be configured toreceive an internal sleeve having a specific configuration, which thenadapts the storage device to a particular need.

As previously mentioned, a common occurrence with the use of a storedlead is that as the loops of the lead are unwound the lead may becometwisted or knotted, making the process of unwinding the lead difficult,time consuming and frustrating. Further, the period of storage and thematerial from which the lead is made, will dictate whether the unwoundchord retains a predisposition to a circular orientation. Thispredisposition to curl into a circular orientation after the lead isunwound, can be frustrating where a straight extension of the lead isrequired. These above described situations prove frustrating and arerecognised disadvantages of prior art lead storage systems.

The means of storage may also result in damage to the flex, chord orhose. Where the flex is an electrical extension lead, the potential fordamage to the lead becomes a safety hazard.

Accordingly, as a lead is wound on to a reel, the chord will rotatearound the central cylindrical drum-shape of the reel with eachsuccessive loop being horizontally and/or vertically adjacent toprevious loops. A number of sections of lead are therefore often veryclosely wound and often relatively tightly wound.

Where electrical extension leads are to be used, it is often recommendedthat it is important to fully unwind the lead from reels or othersimilar prior art systems to minimize the likelihood of electricalresistance due to the electrical current passing through the leadcausing overheating of the lead where it is in close contact with, oroverlapping adjacent sections of lead. Overheating due to such coileffect may result in damage and/or failure of the insulating sheath ofthe electrical lead. This is potentially hazardous to the user.

While the present invention has a number of potentially realisableapplications, it is in relation to problems associated with existingreel, or storage systems, used for electrical extension leads that thepresent invention was developed. More specifically, it was with theproblems associated with twisting, knotting and safety issues when usingand storing electrical leads, that the present invention was developed.

Accordingly therefore, the electrical lead stored on the storage deviceof the present invention is preferably loosely looped and eachsuccessive loop is only touching a portion of a loop of the leaddirectly above and/or below it.

To achieve this preferred orientation of the lead on the storage device,the body of the storage device preferably includes a substantiallyelongate backbone and at least one substantially elongate tine ofcomparable length, interconnected thereto in a substantially parallelarrangement.

Further as an adjunct to the overheating aspect, the coil effect alsoincreases the magnetic field generated around the lead. This may bedisadvantageous in situations where sensitive equipment is being usedand where the coil effect contributes to magnetic interference in theoperation of that equipment. The present invention is so designed thatthe consecutive loops are stacked one on top of the other, therebyminimizing the coil effect and hence the magnetic field effect possiblewhen leads are simply wound on drum systems.

In order to effect the preferred configuration of the storage device,the elongate backbone and the tine of the body both include a free topdistal end, whilst the bottom distal end of each is interconnected toform the channel. The interconnecting portion of the body defines thewidth of the channel at the bottom of the channel, such that the channelcomplements the width/diameter of the lead.

It should be appreciated that the present invention lends itself to useof more than one tine with one or more central backbones. The number andarrangement of the tines relative to one or more central backbone(s)will thus determine desired variability in the length of lead able to bestored on the storage device, or the number of separate leads able to bestored. Where additional tines are included, the additional tines arearranged relative to the central backbone(s) so as to create arelatively seamless extension to the storage capacity of the overallcombined structure.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention this may beachieved by the inclusion of two tines located on opposite sides of thecentral backbone, but all being aligned in the same plane. In yet otherembodiments, the storage device may be configured to have the tines setto protrude from the central backbone with a defined angle of up to 90degrees between the adjacent tines. Irrespective of the arrangement andnumber of tines, the combined effect is to provide a substantiallyseamless extension to the storage capacity of the storage device.

The storage device may also be configured to take any appropriate shapeas required to effect the preferred strength to support the weight ofthe lead. However, of critical importance is the defined distance of thechannel created between the backbone and the tine. Depending on thedimensions of the article stored on the storage device, the width of thechannel may vary from one embodiment to another. However, it isimportant that the channel be substantially the same defined width for asubstantial length of the lower portion of the channel receiving thearticle.

Therefore, whilst in many embodiments of the present invention theconfiguration of the storage device includes the at least one elongatebackbone and the at least one tine of the body which both include a freetop distal end, whilst the bottom distal end of each is interconnectedto form the appropriately configured channel, such that the channelcomplements the width/diameter of the article, in other embodiments theinterconnecting portion may form part of either the backbone or the tineand include therewith a pivoting means to enable the tine to pivot up to180° through a vertical plane. Thus the tine may be operated from aposition substantially parallel to the backbone, through a range ofangular positions to at most a position substantially aligned to thelongitudinal axis of the backbone.

This latter embodiment may have application where the fast release ofthe article is required. For example, this embodiment may be useful forthe release and unwinding of an anchor rope, or similar.

Accordingly, for example, the latching means may be released whichallows the tine to pivot downwards under gravity to release the articlepreviously retained in the channel between the tine and the backbone.Alternatively, the pivoting tine may benefit the inputting of a solidsheet material into the channel in preparation for transportation orstorage. In such embodiments, a different latching means may be employedto retain the tine in its storage position parallel to the backbone.

It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments of the presentinvention it would be advantageous to have a rotating system of thecentral backbone and associated tine(s). For example, a rotating systemmay assist in the loading or unloading of a lead onto and off thestorage device, particularly where multiple tines are included and thelead is substantially long. The rotating means may enable the backboneto rotate up to 360° or more, may enable the backbone to rotate fromside to side through a 180° or 90° arc, or any horizontally displacedangle.

The arrangement of the rotating means may vary between embodiments. Forexample, the backbone may be substantially hollow and be capable ofreceiving an elongate pin or such like around which the backbone canrotate. Alternatively the connection of the latching apparatus and/orthe handle may include rotating means. Thus when the latching means isreleased the central backbone may be rotated, but when the latchingmeans is secured the backbone is not rotatable. As can be appreciatedvarious options may be used with or adapted for use with the presentinvention to effect the desired operation.

In embodiments of the present invention where there are two or moretines the tines may be permanently or removeably attached to the centralbackbone. Removeable tines may be attached via a tight push fit, viabayonet type fitting, via a slot and slide system, via a clip-on system,or any other suitable means. Accordingly the storage device becomes muchmore versatile in the range of applications of it, and with a variety ofarticles.

The storage device may also be configured to take any appropriate shapeas required to effect the preferred strength to support the weight ofthe article. However, of critical importance is the defined distance ofthe channel created between the backbone and the tine. The dimensions ofthe width of the channel may vary from one embodiment to another.However, it is important that for many embodiments the channel be thesame defined width for the substantial length of the channel receivingthe article(s). Nevertheless, it is conceivable that in some situationsand with some articles it may be necessary for the channel to betapered, or diverge towards its upper or lower end.

To contribute to maintaining the preferred shape of the storage devicewhen loaded with a lead, latching apparatus may be used. The latchingapparatus also serves to secure the lead on the storage device andminimises the likelihood of the lead unwinding from the storage device.

The latching apparatus is preferably pivotally attached to a portion ofthe body of the storage device and is able to operate between a latchedand an unlatched position. When in an unlatched position the lead may befed onto the storage device. When in the latched position removal of thelead is limited, or the lead and device are ready to be stored away.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the latchingapparatus is substantially looped-shape, so as to be able to pass overthe top of the central backbone, or the tine, as required. Thedimensions of the loop of the latching apparatus are preferably definedto both accommodate the width of the backbone, or tine, as relevant, yetalso include allowance for the width of the channel. When the latch ispivoted closed the latch serves to minimise the likelihood of the tineand backbone splaying apart under the weight or pressure of the leadwithin the storage channel.

Whilst in some preferred embodiments the latching apparatus maycontribute to maintaining the preferred shape of the storage device whenloaded with a lead, in other embodiments the article stored by thestorage device may mean that the latching apparatus is most useful as ahandle or as a means to hang the storage device from a hook means orsimilar for storage or during use. Use of the latching means as a handleis most likely to be the case where the storage device is used withsolid sheet materials or similar articles.

The latching apparatus is accordingly therefore, preferably pivotallyattached to a portion of the body of the storage device and is able tooperate between a latched and an unlatched position. In order to enablethe latching apparatus to pivot, the latching apparatus includes atleast one aperture capable of alignment with a complementary aperture ona tine, or on the backbone. A pivoting means, such as a pin and springclip, a cotter pin, a rivet, a nut and bolt arrangement, or comparableavailable means may be used. Thus when the pivoting means is engagedwith in-line apertures, the latching means is fitted to the body of thestorage device. It may be relevant in some embodiments to also include alocking means to effect retention of the latching means (or even ahandle) in a preferred arrangement—whether it be in the unlatched orlatched position, to prevent movement of the latching apparatus untilrequired.

It is important to effect firm interconnection which allows appropriatepivoting, but not so much as to enable sloppy movement of the latchingapparatus relative to the backbone, or tine, which may negatively impacton the appropriate latching required, as well as resulting in weararound the internal surface of the apertures which may necessitatereplacement of the latching apparatus, or pivoting means.

Whilst one latching apparatus has been described in relation to thepresent invention, it should be appreciated that any other suitablelatching apparatus, or a combination of latching and/or handle means maybe employed, or adapted for use, with the storage device.

The same affixing, pivoting and operational description is also relevantto the storage device in the instance where an embodiment also, orinstead, includes either or both a handle and a bracket as supportingmeans. Where embodiments do include a specifically designated handle,the handle enables the storage device to be gripped to loop a lead on,or off, the device, enables the device to be carried to locations wherethe lead is required to be used and also provides a means to hang thestorage device up for storage of either or both the storage device andthe lead. The bracket enables the storage device to be mounted on awall, post or other support surface and the lead fed out from thatpoint. Of advantage in having brackets as the supporting means is theopportunity to have a number of brackets placed at various locations andbe able to carry the storage device to the preferred location, attach itto the bracket and have free hands to hold the lead and so forth.

Where the supporting means is a handle, the handle of some embodimentsmay include specifically designed finger grooves to improve the comfortof gripping the handle.

The description of the present storage device has been limited so far tothe use of a storage device with a backbone and tine of fixed length. Insome embodiments, where lighter leads may be required to be stored,increased capacity of storage may be effected with a body in which forexample the backbone is substantially longer than the tine, but the tinemay be telescopically extended to increase its length to that of thelength of the backbone. Such an extension would only be employed asrequired, but this embodiment provides the flexibility and adjustabilityto accommodate varying lengths of leads that would otherwise beaccommodated by a storage device having multiple tines. Preferably suchtelescopic adjustments would be made incrementally and with relativeease.

Alternatively, extension sleeves may be added to the tine to provide thedesired adjustability. Preferably, such adjustment would not be timeintensive, would not require complex additional pieces of machinery,specialist knowledge, or tools and would offer an effective adjustmentmeans.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are manufactured fromplastics materials using moulds. However, other methods of constructionand varying materials may be used. For example, the device may be madefrom stainless steel, glass reinforced plastics and so forth.

The choice of materials is primarily dictated by their strength,durability and in some cases an emphasis may be on weather-resistance,or the ability to sterilise the device for purposes such as use inhospitals and other sterile environments. The cost of the variousmaterials is also a consideration, but where the device is used inspecialised areas, it may be necessary to produce high quality, sterile,stainless steel versions, irrespective of cost.

The devices may be manufactured via any appropriate means, includingbeing injection moulded, rotamoulded, welded, or cast. The choice ofmanufacturing options is dependent on the materials used, the finaldesignated use of the device and the ease of production.

As can be appreciated from the above description, the feature of theadjustments to the storage device obtained through the numerousalternative positions of more than one tine relative to the centralbackbone(s) of the present invention and the option to extend the lengthof the tines, provides an advantage over prior art systems which usuallyhave a fixed capacity.

The storage device also potentially therefore provides the benefits ofbeing adapted to store chords, flexes, leads, tubes, or hoses ofvaryingly length, or varying numbers of separate leads.

In addition, the storage device is easy to operate, transport, or storeand requires minimum time and physical requirements on the part of theuser.

The storage device also provides a system whereby stored chords, flexes,hoses or leads are stored in a manner that, when required to be used,are removed from the device without a resulting tangled mess common toprior art system, as a result of the lead being sequentially stacked oneloop at a time on top of the adjacent loop below it. Accordingly as thelead is unlooped, it does not have the opportunity to become tangled upwith other loops on the storage device.

As far as safety issues are concerned the present invention potentiallyminimise damage to the integrity of the hose, lead, flex, tube, or chordas the lead is easy to hang up on the storage device and so is not lefton the ground where it may be damaged. Further, the likelihood ofelectrical resistance causing overheating of an electrical lead andpotentially damaging the insulation of the lead, may be minimised shoulda person use the lead whilst still partially wound on the storagedevice. The present invention does not advocate the general use ofcoiled extension leads. However, in the present invention the manner inwhich the lead is looped on the device, means there are fewer adjacentloops in close proximity, so the potential for electrical resistance andthe ensuing coil effect may be reduced. Accordingly, where the lead isused whilst still wound on the device, the issue of safety to the useris less problematic than when coiled extension leads are used whilstretained on typical prior art reel-type devices. Nevertheless, the useris required to practice safe use of the device and ensure that the loopsof the lead, when stored on the device, are not so tightly wound as tocreate the potential for the coil effect to occur.

Finally, the present invention offers a safe alternative to the storageand use of electrical extension leads, in particular.

However, in some use situations, the stored article may be too heavy orcumbersome to be easily carried on the storage device to a site for use.In such situations an alternative embodiment may include or be adaptedto include motive means in conjunction with the supporting means. Forexample, the supporting means may be a frame with wheels, tracks,castors, rollers or the like to facilitate movement of the attachedstorage device and stored article thereon. As may be appreciated, anynumber and arrangement of the motive means may be employed. In addition,there may be included braking means, and/or means that enable the framewith the storage device to be stood independently of the user.

In some embodiments the backbone of the storage device may be anintegral part of the frame, as may the latching means. However, thestorage device may be configured such that the device and the frame aretwo separate components and the backbone of the storage device may beconfigured hollow to slide over a central vertical tubular portion ofthe frame to enable the storage device to rotate as previouslydescribed.

For greater flexibility of storage and/or use, the frame may include aportion which is extendable telescopically. This telescopic extensionmay be part of the frame to which only he storage device is attached, ormay involve a whole section of the frame being able to be extendedtelescopically. Appropriate catches, locking means and release systemsmay be employed to maintain the frame in its extended position and viceversa. Such an option may be beneficial where the storage device isbeing used to store and transport sheet materials and the like. Thevertical portion of the frame also minimises the need for the user tohave to bend to remove or apply the article to the storage device.

The frame may also include a form of handle to enable the frame with thestorage device attached to or incorporated therein to be readily pushedor pulled in the direction required. Alternatively, the handle may beintegral with the storage device.

In any embodiment the desire is for the storage device to be easy tooperate, transport, or store and to require minimum time and physicalrequirements on the part of the user. Therefore, as can be appreciatedvariations to and from the above described embodiments may be madewithout deviating from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the body of the storage device may take any shape, providedthe channel enables the article to be arranged as preferred therein. Thestorage device may also include the option of having adjustableinsert(s) or blades inside or externally of the channel which are notonly adjustable but can also clamp the article so it will not fall out.

The channel may also take clip-on attachments to adjust the length ofthe channel, such as an extrusion snap locked addition, that extends thelength of the channel. Alternatively, there may be multiple channels,such as two channels side by side parallel to each other with thechannels disjointed at the front or back, that can also be pulled in atthe top to apply tension on the article at all times, or may also beadjustable.

The body and tine interrelationship may also include an adjustment meansto adjust the channel width dimensions.

As previously described, the channel may have an undulating internalconfiguration on one or both of the internal surfaces which will contactthe article. Alternatively, the arrangement may be a more angularzig-zag configuration. Whilst it may be even top to bottom it may alsobe pulled in at the top to apply tension on the article at all times,thereby maintaining a secure arrangement. The invention lends itself toany shaped channel arranged at any angle to the backbone as long as thearticle can be inserted into the channel as required, and for electricalleads especially, that the lead coils are arranged on top or to eitherside of each other in a substantially adjacent arrangement rather thanhaving a doubling up of the lead.

Further the invention may include the use of a wall mounting bracketshaped to hold the handle of the storage device, or be configured toactually clip to the body. Further, the bracket may be stationary or mayinclude a portion capable of co-operating with the body of the storagedevice to enable the bracket potion to slide up and down, or to slide upand out, or to pivot with relative to either the structure to which thebracket is attached, or the body of the storage device.

In addition, another embodiment may include a handle that is configuredto slide up and down the backbone of the storage device. With thisarrangement, the handle contributes to the positioning of the body inits optimal orientation for feeding out the article (being a hose,electrical lead, chain or rope). Effectively, as the handle is slid downthe body, the body is able to pivot from a substantially verticalorientation through 90° to 180°. Alternatively, the handle may be fixedby being molded into the backbone of the storage device. The handle mayof course take any suitable shape, including a hook or a circular shape.Yet a further alternative arrangement may include the handle at thebottom of storage device.

In addition to the handle, there may also be ancillary hooking meanswhich enables the storage device to be hung from doorways, ledges or thelike, where the handle can not be used to support the device.

The storage device may include tension means, such as springs, tofacilitate operation from or recovery of the storage device in itsupright position following pivoting of the storage device with respectto a mounting bracket. The storage device may also include repetitivebackbone/tine configuration in adjacent proximity to each other and eachcapable of pivoting down as required. This is particularly relevant forversions of the storage device designed to accommodate heavy orcumbersome articles, such a hoses and the like.

As can be appreciated from the above description, the feature of theadjustments to the storage device obtained through the numerousalternative positions of more than one tine relative to more than onecentral backbone(s) of the present invention and the option to extendthe length of the tines, to enable the backbone to rotate and/or atleast the tine to pivot, provides some benefit over prior art systemswhich usually have a fixed capacity or mode of operation. The presentinvention also lends itself to use with a range of articles, whichexisting systems do not typically offer.

It should therefore further be appreciated a variety of differentembodiments, uses, and applications of the present invention exist, evenwithin the ambit of the above described storage system.

Various embodiments of the present invention, with and without motivemeans, will now be given by way of example only, to help better describeand define the present invention and possible variations thereto.However, describing only these specific embodiment should not be seen aslimiting the scope of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description, given by way of example only and with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the storage device in accordancewith one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 a-c are a top plan view, a side view and a back plan view of thestorage device of FIG. 1 in accordance with that preferred embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a back plan view of the storage device of FIGS. 1 and 2showing an electrical extension lead stored by the storage device, inaccordance with that preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a side front perspective view of the storage device inaccordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present inventionin which two tines are included; and

FIG. 5 a-c are a top plan view, a side view and an front plan view ofthe storage device of FIG. 4 in accordance with that preferredembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 a, b are a side view and a front plan view of the storage devicein accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 7 a-c is a side view, rear view and front view of the storagedevice with frame and motion facilitating apparatus in accordance withanother preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 a-c are perspective and side views of the storage device inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 15 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a side view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 22 is a side view of a support bracket for the storage device alongwith the component parts of the base of the pivoting mechanism for thestorage device, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 23 is a view of the storage device in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the diagrams (FIGS. 1 to 23) by way of example only,there is provided a storage device (generally indicated by arrow (1)).Whilst the storage device is described and referenced for use withelectrical extension leads, it should be appreciated this invention mayhave application outside of this field.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, where the storage device 1 is configured to store atleast one lead 2.

The storage device includes a body 3, which includes a substantiallyelongate backbone 4 and at least one substantially elongate tine 5interconnected thereto in a substantially parallel arrangement, butseparated therefrom by a defined distance 6 to form a substantiallyuniform U-shaped channel 7. The back bone 4 and tine 5 may take anydimensions and shape, as can be seen in the various figures, asappropriate to the embodiment and purpose for which it is to be used. Insome embodiments, such as in FIGS. 10 and 17, where multiple channelsare included, the tine of a prior adjacent channel in effect operatesas, or supports, the backbone of the next channel.

The storage device also includes latching apparatus 8 to maintain, aspossible, the defined distance 6 between the backbone 4 and the tine 5during storage of a lead 2 by the storage device 1.

The storage device 1 also optionally includes a handle 9, whetherfixedly (as exampled in FIGS. 9 and 10) or removably (as exampled inFIG. 14) attached to the backbone, tine or interconnecting portionbetween the backbone and tine (as exampled in FIG. 11). In addition, thehandle may pivot (as exampled in FIGS. 1, 6, 8, and 15) slide, or befixed (as exampled in FIGS. 9 to 11); or be adapted to operate both as apivoting and slidable handle (as exampled in FIGS. 13 and 14).

In the figures, particularly as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, theelongate backbone 4 and the tine 5 of the body both include a free topdistal end 10, and 11 respectively, whilst the bottom distal endprovides an interconnecting portion 12 to form a channel 7.

The channel 7 formed between the backbone 4 and the tine 5 may besubstantially U-shaped. The channel 7 between the backbone 4 and thetine 5 is a defined distance 6, which is defined by the diameter, orwidth of the lead 2, such that only one width of the lead is fed downthe channel 7 at any one time.

Accordingly, subsequent looping of the lead 2 enables further widths ofthe lead to be fed down the channel 7 such that with each subsequentloop the section of lead within the channel 7 sits atop an adjacentprevious looped section of the lead 2 as shown in FIG. 3. The electricallead stored on the storage device of the present invention is preferablyloosely looped with each successive loop only touching a portion of aloop of the lead directly above and/or below it.

The latching apparatus 8 is preferably pivotally attached to a portionof the body of the storage device and is able to operate between alatched position as illustrated in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 6 b an unlatchedposition, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 a. When in an unlatchedposition the lead 2 may be fed onto the storage device. When in thelatched position removal of the lead is limited, or the lead and deviceare ready to be stored away.

The latching apparatus 8 is attached towards the top distal end 10 or 11of either the backbone 4 or the tine 5, respectively. A loop portion 13of the latching apparatus 8 is capable of looping over the top distalend of the tine, or backbone portion, to which the latching apparatus 8is not attached. The dimensions of the loop 13 of the latching apparatus8 are preferably defined to both accommodate the width of the backbone4, or tine 5, as relevant, yet also include allowance for the width ofthe channel 7. In operation, the latching apparatus 8 maintains thedefined distance 6 between the backbone 4 and the tine 5 during storageof a lead 2 by the storage device, via preventing the weight of the lead2 stored within the channel 7 forcing the backbone 4 and tine 5 to splayapart from each other. The latching apparatus 8 also serves to securethe lead 2 on the storage device 1 and minimises the likelihood of thelead unwinding from the storage device.

In some embodiments, the latching apparatus 8 may also be used as ahandle 9 for gripping the storage device in use, or for hanging thestorage device when being stored, or, a handle 9 may operate as thelatching apparatus 8. Such an alternative is illustrated in FIGS. 6 aand 6 b.

In order to operate as required either or both the latching apparatus 8and/or the handle 9 are pivotable with respect to the backbone 4 or thetine 5 to which they are attached. Therefore, the latching apparatus 8includes at least one aperture capable of alignment with a complementaryaperture on a tine 5 or the backbone 4. A pivoting means 14, such as apin and spring clip, a cotter pin, a rivet, a nut and bolt arrangement,or comparable available means may be used. Thus when the pivoting means14 is engaged with the in-line apertures, the latching apparatus 8 isfitted to the body 3 of the storage device.

It is important to effect firm interconnection which allows appropriatepivoting, but not so much as to enable sloppy movement of the latchingapparatus 8 relative to the backbone 4, or tine 5, which may negativelyimpact on the appropriate latching required, as well as resulting inwear around the internal surface of the apertures which may necessitatereplacement of the latching apparatus 8, or pivoting means 14.

The same affixing, pivoting and operational description is also relevantto the storage device in the instance where an embodiment also, orinstead, includes a handle 9, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 a. Whereembodiments do include a specifically designated handle 9, the handle 9enables the storage device to be gripped to loop the lead on or off thedevice, enables the device to be carried to locations where the lead isrequired to be used and also provides a means to hang the storage deviceup for storage of either or both the storage device and the lead. Thehandle 9 of some embodiments may include specifically designed fingergrooves, or similar as illustrated in the handles 9 of embodimentsillustrated by FIGS. 5 c and 6 b, to improve the comfort of gripping thehandle 9.

FIGS. 4 to 5 c along with FIGS. 10 and 17, illustrate furtherembodiments of the storage device where additional tines 5 and/orbackbones may be included, to accommodate separate leads 2 or leads ofincreased length which can not be accommodated within the channel 7 of asingle tine version of the storage device. The number and arrangement ofthe tines relative to one or more central backbone(s) will thusdetermine the desired variability in the length of lead able to bestored on the storage device, or the number of separate leads able to bestored. This embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofvarying the lead storage capacity of the storage device for storingleads.

Where additional tines are included, the additional tines are arrangedrelative to the central backbone(s) so as to create a relativelyseamless extension to the storage capacity of the overall combinedstructure. FIGS. 4 to 5 c illustrate an embodiment of the presentinvention where two tines are located on opposite sides of the centralbackbone but all are aligned in the same plane. In yet other embodimentswhich have not been illustrated, the storage device may be configured tohave the tines set to protrude from the central backbone with a definedangle of up to 90 degrees between the adjacent tines. In FIG. 10, thetines are angled away from the backbone to facilitate unwinding of thelead, etc from the tines during use.

With a single tine version of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 1 to3, the body of the storage device 1 is designed to complement the typeand length of the lead 2 required to be stored thereon. Accordingly, thelength of the backbone 4 and the length of the tine 5 is determined toaccommodate a preferred number of loops of the lead 2 stackedsequentially on top of each other as the lead is looped on to thestorage device 1. In the illustrated embodiments the storage device isrepresented with a backbone 4 and tine 5 of fixed length.

However, in some embodiments which are partially illustrated in FIG. 19,increased capacity of storage may be effected with a body 3 in which forexample, the length of the tine 5 and/or backbone, may be extendable,such as via telescopically or via the use of extensions 16 which may beadded to the tine 5 to provide the desired adjustability. Any suchadjustment is preferably not time intensive, would not require complexadditional pieces of machinery, specialist knowledge, or tools and wouldoffer an effective adjustment means.

Whilst the storage device may be configured to take any appropriateshape as required to effect the preferred strength to support the weightof the lead, it is the defined distance 6 of the U-shaped channel 7created between the backbone 4 and the tine 5 that is of mostimportance. Depending on the dimensions of the lead stored on thestorage device, the width 6 of the channel 7 may vary from oneembodiment to another. However, it is important that the channel be thedefined width 6 for at least a substantial length of the channelreceiving the lead(s).

The storage device 1 provides a system which is easy to operate,transport, or store and requires minimum time and physical requirementson the part of the user. It also provides a system whereby storedchords, flexes, hoses or leads 2 are stored in a manner that, whenrequired to be used, are removal from the device 1 without a resultingtangled mess common to prior art system, as a result of the lead beingsequentially stacked one loop at a time on top of the adjacent loopbelow it. Accordingly, when it comes to unlooping the lead, it does nothave the opportunity to become tangled up with other loops on thestorage device. The handle means of the storage device enables thedevice to be carried throughout the unlooping process, to further assistwith placement of the lead as and where required. Finally, the presentinvention offers a safe alternative to the storage and use of electricalextension leads, in particular.

It should be appreciated that the above description mostly relates tothe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 b. However, describing theseembodiment only, should not be seen as limiting the scope of thisinvention, nor does it limit variations to and from the above describedembodiments which may be made without deviating from the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, FIGS. 7 a to 7 c also illustrate another preferredembodiment of the present invention, where the storage device 1 isconfigured to store at least one lead 2. The storage device includes abody 3, which includes a substantially elongate backbone 4 and at leastone substantially elongate tine 5 interconnected thereto in asubstantially parallel arrangement, but separated therefrom by a defineddistance 6 to form a channel 7. The channel in this embodiment issubstantially uniform and U-shaped.

The storage device also includes latching apparatus 8 to maintain thedefined distance 6 between the backbone 4 and the tine 5 during storageof a lead 2 by the storage device 1. The latching apparatus 8 isattached towards the top distal end 10 of the backbone 4.

The latching apparatus of this embodiment is also configured to providehandle means 9. In order to operate as required either or both thelatching apparatus 8 (and the handle means 9) are pivotable with respectto the backbone 4.

With a single tine version of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 7 ato 7 c, the body of the storage device 1 is designed to complement thetype and length of the lead 2 required to be stored thereon.Accordingly, the length of the backbone 4 and the length of the tine 5is determined to accommodate a preferred number of loops of the lead 2stacked sequentially on top of each other as the lead is looped on tothe storage device 1. In the illustrated embodiments the storage deviceis represented with a backbone 4 and tine 5 of fixed length.

However, in some embodiments which are not illustrated, increasedcapacity of storage may be effected with a body 3 in which for examplethe backbone 4 is substantially longer than the tine 5, but the lengthof the tine 5 may be extendable, such as via telescopically or via theuse of extensions which may be added to the tine 5 to provide thedesired adjustability. Any such adjustment is preferably not timeintensive, would not require complex additional pieces of machinery,specialist knowledge, or tools and would offer an effective adjustmentmeans.

Whilst the storage device may be configured to take any appropriateshape as required to effect the preferred strength to support the weightof the lead, it is the defined distance 6 of the channel 7 createdbetween the backbone 4 and the tine 5 that is of most importance.Depending on the dimensions of the lead or other article stored on thestorage device, the width 6 of the channel 7 may vary from oneembodiment to another. However, it is important that the channel be thesame defined width 6 for the substantial length of the channel receivingthe lead(s).

In some use situations, the stored article may be too heavy orcumbersome to be easily carried on the storage device to a site for use.In such situations the described embodiment is configured to include orbe adapted to include motive means 13, such as wheels or castors tofacilitate movement of the storage device and stored article thereon. Asmay be appreciated, any number and arrangement of the motive means maybe employed. In addition, there may be included braking means, orbracing means 14 that enable the storage device to be stoodindependently of the user.

Therefore in such instances a stand or a frame 15 may be included on towhich the motive means 13 with or without braking means or bracing means14 may be included. In some embodiments the backbone of the storagedevice may be an integral part of the frame 15, as may the latchingmeans. However, the storage device may be configured such that thedevice and the frame are two separate components and the backbone of thestorage device may be configured hollow to slide over a central verticaltubular portion of the frame to enable the storage device to rotate aspreviously described.

For greater flexibility of storage and/or use, the frame may include aportion which is extendable telescopically 16. This telescopic extensionmay be part of the frame to which only the storage device is attached,or may involve a whole section of the frame being able to be extendedtelescopically. Appropriate catches, locking means and release systemsmay be employed to maintain the frame in its extended position and viceversa. Such an option may be beneficial where the storage device isbeing used to store and transport sheet materials and the like. Thevertical portion of the frame also minimises the need for the user tohave to bend to remove or apply the article to the storage device.

The storage device 1 provides a system which is easy to operate,transport, or store and requires minimum time and physical requirementson the part of the user. It also provides a system whereby stored cords,flexes, hoses or leads 2 or other articles may be stored in a mannerthat, when required to be used, are removed from the device 1 without aresulting difficulty, or length of time. The handle means of the storagedevice enables the device to be stabilised or carried throughout theunloading process, to further assist with placement of the article asand where required. Finally, the present invention offers a safealternative to the storage and use of electrical extension leads, inparticular.

It should be appreciated that the above description relates to theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 a to 7 c. However, describing theseembodiment only, should not be seen as limiting the scope of thisinvention, nor does it limit variations to and from the above describedembodiments which may be made without deviating from the scope of thepresent invention.

For example, the body of the storage device may take any shape, asillustrated in FIGS. 8 through 21 provided the channel enables thearticle to be arranged as preferred therein. The storage device may alsoinclude the option of having adjustable insert(s) or blades inside orexternally of the channel (not shown) which are not only adjustable butcan also clamp the article so it will not fall out. The channel may alsotake clip-on attachments to adjust the length of the channel, such as anextrusion snap locked addition, that extends the length of the channel.Alternatively, there may be multiple channels, such as two channels sideby side parallel to each other (as in FIGS. 10 and 17). The backbone andthe tine(s) may be interconnected in a jointed arrangement, such as inFIGS. 15, 16 20 and 21, that may also be adjustable.

The adjustment means 17 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, to adjust thechannel width dimensions; and/or as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, may alsofacilitate pivoting of the storage device with respect to a supportbracket 19, which may be affixed to a supporting surface, such as awall, post and so forth. The wall mounting bracket may be shaped to holdthe handle of the storage device, or be configured to actually clip tothe body as in FIG. 14. Further, the bracket may be stationary or mayinclude a portion capable of co-operating with the body of the storagedevice to enable the bracket potion to slide up and down and out (as inFIGS. 12 and 14), or to pivot relative to either the structure to whichthe bracket is attached, or the body of the storage device (as in FIGS.18-21). The bracket may also include a pivoting portion 25 as shownparticularly in FIGS. 12 and 14, enabling the storage device to swingthrough a horizontal plane. This feature facilitates feeding out of thelead, hoes, rope, etc towards whatever direction is required.

In addition, as in FIGS. 13 and 14, the handle is also configured toslide up and down the backbone of the storage device. With thisarrangement, the handle contributes to the positioning of the body inits optimal orientation for feeding out the article (being a hose,electrical lead, chain or rope). Effectively, as the handle is slid downthe body, the body is able to pivot from a substantially verticalorientation through 90° to 180°, in the same manner as illustrated inFIG. 12. The handle may of course take any suitable shape, including ahook or a circular shape.

In addition to the handle, there may also be ancillary hooking means 20which enables the storage device to be hung from doorways, ledges or thelike, where the handle can not be used to support the device.

The storage device may include tension means, such as springs 21, tofacilitate operation from or recovery of the storage device in itsupright position following pivoting of the storage device with respectto a mounting bracket. The storage device may also include repetitivebackbone/tine configuration in adjacent proximity to each other and eachcapable of pivoting down as required. A range of bushes 22, ball-bearingarrangements 23 and pivot pins 24, may also be included to facilitate asmooth pivoting or rotating motions.

As previously described, the channel may have an undulating internalconfiguration on one or both of the internal surfaces which will contactthe article. Alternatively, the arrangement may be a more angularzig-zag configuration. Whilst it may be even top to bottom it may alsobe pulled in at the top to apply tension on the article at all times,thereby maintaining a secure arrangement. The invention lends itself toany shaped channel arranged at any angle to the backbone as long as thearticle can be inserted into the channel as required, and for electricalleads especially, that the lead coils are arranged on top or to eitherside of each other in a substantially adjacent arrangement rather thanhaving a doubling up of the lead.

It should also be understood that the term “comprise” where used hereinis not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly,‘comprise’ does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, butincludes the possibility of other components and items being added tothe list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventorregarding the prior art. The prior art description should not beregarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of theprior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought tothe mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions maybe made thereto without departing from the scope thereof, as defined inthe appended claims.

1. A storage device for use with at least one article, said storagedevice including: a body, said body including at least one substantiallyelongate backbone and at least one substantially elongate tineinterconnected thereto but separated therefrom by a defined distance toform a channel adapted to receive one width at a time of the articlepositioned therein, and supporting means attachable to said body, saidsupporting means including a handle pivotally attached to said body andmoveable in relation thereto enabling the storage device to pivotbetween a substantially vertical orientation to a substantiallyhorizontal orientation as required to enable the object to be receivedwithin the channel and removed from the channel, respectively asrequired.
 2. A storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the storagedevice optionally includes latching apparatus capable of co-operatingwith either or both the backbone and the tine, to maintain the defineddistance between the backbone and the tine during storage of a articleby the storage device.
 3. A storage device for storing at least onearticle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elongate backbone and the tineof the body both include a free top distal end to create an opening forinsertion of the article there between.
 4. A storage device for storingat least one article as claimed in claim 3 wherein the elongate backboneand the tine of the body include a bottom distal end which areinterconnected to form the channel.
 5. A storage device for storing atleast one article as claimed in claim 4 wherein the width of the channelformed between the backbone and the tine is defined by the diameter, orwidth, of at least one article to be stored in the device.
 6. A storagedevice for storing at least one article as claimed in claim 5 whereinthe width of the channel is determined to enable only one width of thearticle to be fed down the channel at any one time.
 7. A storage devicefor storing at least one article as claimed in claim 5 wherein where thearticle is a lead, subsequent looping of the lead enables further widthsof the lead to be fed down the channel such that, with each subsequentloop, the section of lead within the channel sits substantially atop anadjacent previous looped section of the lead.
 8. A storage device foruse with at least one article as claimed in claim 5 wherein the channelis substantially uniform along its length.
 9. A storage device for usewith at least one article as claimed in claim 8 wherein the channel issubstantially U-shaped.
 10. A storage device for use with at least onearticle claim 5 wherein the channel is substantially non-linear and/ornon-uniform along its length.
 11. A storage device as claimed in claim 5wherein the interconnected backbone and tine are adjustably connected toenable the dimensions of the channel to be adjusted relative to thedimensions of the article being stored in the storage device.
 12. Astorage device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the interconnected backboneand tine are pivotally connected to enable the tine to pivot downrelative to the backbone for fast release of the article from thestorage device.
 13. A storage device as claimed in claim 12 wherein thestorage device includes tension means associated with the pivotingportions of the supporting means, the body, and/or the tine, tofacilitate return of the storage device to its storage configurationfollowing release of the article from the storage device.
 14. A storagedevice for storing at least one article as claimed in claim 2 whereinthe latching apparatus contributes to maintaining the defined distancebetween the backbone and the tine during storage of the article by thestorage device, by preventing the weight of the article stored withinthe channel from forcing the backbone and the tine to splay apart fromeach other.
 15. A storage device for storing articles as claimed inclaim 14 wherein the latching apparatus is attached towards the topdistal end of either the backbone, or the tine.
 16. A storage device forstoring articles as claimed in claim 15 wherein where the latchingapparatus is attached towards the top distal end of the backbone, aportion of the latching apparatus is capable of looping over the topdistal end of the tine, or vice versa.
 17. A storage device for storingat least one article as claimed in claim 16 wherein the latchingapparatus may be used as, or adapted to include, a handle for grippingthe storage device in use, or for hanging the storage device when beingstored.
 18. A storage device for storing at least one article as claimedin claim 17 wherein a portion of either or both the latching apparatusand the supporting means is adapted to rotate.
 19. A storage device forstoring at least one article as claimed in claim 18 wherein the latchingapparatus and/or the supporting means are adapted to rotate up to 360°.20. A storage device for storing at least one article as claimed inclaim 19 wherein rotation of the latching apparatus enables the latchingapparatus to be moved to latch adjacent tines in embodiments wheremultiple tines are included.
 21. A storage device for storing at leastone article as claimed in claim 19 wherein rotation of the supportingmeans enables the backbone and tine to be rotated in any direction torelease the article, specifically where the article is a lead, hose, orrope.
 22. A storage device for storing at least one article as claimedin claim 16 wherein a portion of either or both the latching apparatusand the supporting means is adapted to pivot.
 23. A storage device forstoring at least one article as claimed in claim 22 wherein the portionof the latching apparatus and/or of the supporting means are adapted topivot through an arc of up to 360°.
 24. A storage device for storing atleast one article as claimed in claim 23 wherein pivoting of thelatching apparatus enables the latching apparatus to move between anopened orientation to a closed orientation relative to the backbone andtine.
 25. A storage device for storing at least one article as claimedin claim 23 wherein pivoting of a portion of the supporting meansenables the backbone and tine supported thereby, to operate between astorage position and a releasing position relative to the article storedtherein.
 26. A storage device for use with at least one article, asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the article may include a lead, cord, rope,chain, solid sheet or elongate material.
 27. A storage device forstoring at least one article as claimed in claim 26 wherein the storagedevice is configured to store, carry or use the article within orrelative to the storage device.
 28. A storage device for storing atleast one article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting meansincludes at least one of a bracket and a frame.
 29. A storage device forstoring at least one article as claimed in claim 28 wherein the handleis configured for gripping the storage device in use, or for hanging thestorage device when being stored, or is operable as the latchingapparatus.
 30. A storage device as claimed in claim 28 wherein where thesupporting means includes a frame, the frame is adapted to receiveoptional motive means to facilitate transport of the storage device andincluded article to and from an area for use.
 31. A storage device asclaimed in claim 28 wherein where the supporting means includes abracket, one or more brackets are adapted to be affixed to supportsurfaces for receiving and/or relocating the body of the storage deviceand included article to and from an area for use.
 32. A storage deviceas claimed in claim 1 wherein the backbone is adapted to slide relativeto the supporting means to enable the body of the storage device to bemoved from a storage position up and out through at least a 90° arc to arelease position for fast release of the article from the storagedevice.
 33. A storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tines areadapted to receive either or both additional, longer, or extendabletines removably or permanently attached to the backbone or inassociation with existing tines to accommodate articles of increasedlength.
 34. A storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein additionalbackbones may be included from which at least one tine may extend.
 35. Amethod of manufacturing a storage device for storing at least onearticle, said storage device including a body, said body including atleast one substantially elongate backbone and at least one substantiallyelongate tine interconnected thereto but separated therefrom by adefined distance to form a channel adapted to receive one width at atime of the article positioned therein, and a supporting meansattachable to said body, said supporting means including at least handlemeans pivotally attached to said body and moveable in relation theretoenabling the storage device to pivot between a substantially verticalorientation to a substantially horizontal orientation as required toenable the object to be received within the channel and removed from thechannel, respectively as required; and said method including the stepsof: a) manufacturing a substantially elongate backbone, which includesor is adapted to receive at least one substantially elongate tine, saidat least one tine being spaced apart from said backbone by a distancedefined by a width of the article to be stored therewith to create achannel for receiving the article, said backbone and at least one tineforming the body of the storage device; and b) attaching supportingmeans to the body of the storage device, said supporting means includingat least a handle and being moveable along said backbone to enable saidbody to pivot relative thereto enabling the object to be received withinthe channel and removed from the channel, respectively as required. 36.A method of varying an article storage capacity of a storage device forstoring either or both leads and substantially solid sheet materials,said storage device including a body, said body including asubstantially elongate backbone and multiple substantially elongatetines interconnected to said backbone, each said tine being separatedfrom the backbone by a defined distance to form a channel adapted toconform to the width of the article positioned therein, each said tinealso being further separated from each other by a defined distance, saidstorage device further including supporting means attachable to saidbackbone of the body and moveable in relation thereto enabling thestorage device to pivot between a substantially vertical orientation toa substantially horizontal orientation as required to enable the objectto be received within the channel and removed from the channel,respectively as required, said method including the steps of: adaptingan existing backbone to receive two or more tines; connecting the tinesto the backbone such that the tines are separated from each other andfrom the backbone by defined distances; ensuring the channels createdtherebetween each tine and the backbone is capable of receiving thearticle; and increasing the number of tines relative to the backbonethereby increasing the article storage capacity of the storage device.